Ledger-index



(No Model.)

P. A. RANSOM.

LEDGER INDEX.

Patented Oct. 3,1893.

ATTORNEYS.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANKLIN A. RANSOM, OF FARLEY, IOlVA.

LEDGER-INDEX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 506,074, dated October 3, 1893.

Application filed March 29, 1893.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that LFRANKLIN A. RANsoM, of Farley, in the county of Dubuque and State of Iowa, have invented a new and Improved Ledger-Index, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved ledger index, which is simple and durable, forms no integral part of the ledger itself, and is arranged for readily posting the desired names and adapted for conveniently finding the desired page of any account, and also for indicating the proper ledger in case several ledgers are used.

The invention consists of certain parts and details, and combinations of the same, as will be hereinafter described and then pointed out in the claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this speci fication,

' in which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

Figure lis a side elevation of the improvement. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same; and Fig. 3 is a sectional side elevation of the improvement with one of the frames thrown up to show the index leaf.

Theimproved ledger index is provided with a suitably constructed casing A, open at one side and on top, as is plainly illustrated in the drawings. In this casing A is arranged a series of L- shaped frames B, all hung on a rod 0, as acenter or pivot, to swing the frames from a normal or horizontal position into a vertical position, and from the latter back to the normal position, for the purpose hereinafter described.

When in ahorizontal or normal position the inner ends of the frames B rest on a transversely-extending cleat A attached to the inner surface of one side of the casing, as is plainly shown in Fig. 3, and when any of the frames are thrown into a vertical position, as shown in Fig. 3, then the frame rests on a small table D extending from one side of the casing A and forming part thereof. Underneath this table D is arranged a suitable drawerE for containing postage stamps, pens or other articles of convenience for the bookkeeper.

Each of the frames B is grooved in its two Serial No. 468,140. (No model.)

members to receive an index leaf F, preferably made of bristol board sufficiently stiff to remaininposition Wheninsertedinthe grooves of the frames B. A rubber band G or other suitable fastening device may be employed to hold the index leaf in place. The said fastening device however, must be constructed in such a manner as to enable the operator to conveniently remove the index leaf F whenever he desires to post names therein.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, each index leaf is lined for writing thereon the names of the parties in the ledger, together with the page of the latter, in aspecial vertical column, and in case two or more ledgers are used then additional columns are made and indicated by characters corresponding to those indicating the corresponding ledger. Thus, as shown in Fig. 3,-the leaf F thrown up shows that it is intended for posting names beginning with S, T or U, and it further indicates that two columns are used for the pages, together with the name of the ledger, say Ledger A, or Ledger B.

Each frame B is provided at its under side, near the pivot rod 0, with an arm H, pivotally connected with an arm I, secured on a transversely-extending shaft J, mounted to turn in suitable bearings arranged in the easing A. The outer end of each shaft J carries a handle J under the control of the operator, for conveniently turning the shaft J, so as to swing the corresponding frame B from a horizontalinto a Vertical position, or vice versa.

The handles J of the shafts J are arranged in alignmentwith an index K, secured to the front of the casing A and containing cards L on which are printed the characters corresponding to the characters on the respective index leaves F. Thus, for instance, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the characters S, T and U of the index leaf F thrown up, correspond with the characters on the next to the last card L, the handle J of which, when turned moves the frame bearing card from a horizontal to a vertical position, or vice versa.

In one side of the casingA may be arranged a door N, formed witha bottom extension for supporting an inkstand and adapted to move into the interior of the casing when the door N is closed.

The device is used as follows: The several frames B containing the ledger leaves F are in a normal position, and when it is desired by the book-keeper to refer to any particular account the name of which begins, say with the letter S, T or U, then the book-keeper turns the handle J opposite the the card L containing these characters. By turning the handle J to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, the arm I on the corresponding shaft J causes an upward swinging of the frame B with which it is connected, so that the latter moves into a vertical position, as shown in Fig. 3, the operator then being enabled to view the entireleaf and find the name, thepage and the ledger in which the account is posted. When this has been done the operator turns the handle J back to its normal, vertical position, to return the frame B with the card F to the casing. When it is desired to post new accounts or names, then the operator throws the respective frame into a vertical position by turning the corresponding handle J, and then removes the leaf from the frame to write the desired name, page and ledger on the leaf for further reference, as above described.

It will be seen that this device is very simple and durable in construction, forms no integral part of the ledger itsclf,butis arranged with in convenient reach of the book-keeper, and can be readily manipulated.

Having thus fully described my invention,

I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. In a ledger index, the combination with a casing, of frames pivoted in the casing to swing vertically and adapted to hold index leaves, and transversely extending rock shafts mounted in the casing and connected with the frames for operating them, substantially as described.

2. In a ledger index, the combination with a casing, of frames pivoted in the casing and provided near their pivots with arms, said frames being adapted to hold index leaves, and a plurality of transverse shafts mounted in the casing, and provided with arms pivoted to the arms of the frames, substantially as described.

3. A ledger-index, comprising acasing open at one side and top and provided with a table at the open side, a plurality of L- shaped frames pivoted in the casing and provided with arms, said frames being adapted to hold index leaves, a plurality of transverse shafts mounted in the casing and provided with arms pivoted to the arms of the frames and with handles at their outer ends for turning them, and an index on the casing, substantially as herein shown and described FRANKLIN A. RANSOM. Witnesses:

J. J. WILSON, GEORGE E. ARMSTRONG. 

